HIS4227 – Introduction to Global Environmental History

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

How did we get into the current mess of environmental problems? How have our interactions with nature changed over time? Where are the historical roots of today’s ecological challenges? This course introduces students to the methods and topics of environmental history by way of classic and recent works in the field. The course structure is thematic and global (rather than regional or chronological), covering such themes as climate, pollution, energy, epidemics, consumption, and environmentalism. The course provides an overview over this vibrant field and identifies major topics for further study.

Learning outcome

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • use central concepts such as the Anthropocene, sustainability, resilience, adaptation, and more-than-human approaches.
  • locate and interpret historical sources connected to environmental history.
  • contribute an interdisciplinary, humanities-led perspective to current socio-natural challenges.
  • communicate environmental issues using a variety of genres and media.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

The course is available to students admitted to Historie (master), Lektorprogrammet (master), masterspesialisering i historie, Profesjonsrettet master med integrert praktisk-pedagogisk utdanning (master), masterspesialisering i historie and European History (master).

Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

A good ability to read, write and understand English is required for this course.

Teaching

The course will be taught in twelve two-hour sessions. The classes will consist mainly of seminars and structured debates, including one or two field trips.

During the course the students will introduce one of the topics in the syllabus - the allocation will take part in the first session. As the class discussions require a solid understanding of the reading texts, careful in-depth reading of the material provided is essential for taking this course.

Resources and information in this course will be given in Canvas.

Compulsory activities:

  • an exposé (1 to 2 pages including relevant literature) on the intended term paper topic. The term paper will cover a topic that participants will choose, within the framework of the course.
  • an oral presentation introducing a topic of the syllabus in class.

These two compulsory activities must be completed in the same semester as participants take the exam.

Examination

The course is assessed by a term paper. Your paper must not exceed 4500 words, notes included. Attachments and/or bibliography are not included in the word count.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 8:16:16 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn
Offered irregularly
Examination
Autumn
Teaching language
English

Contact

Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History